Sandoval cites Perry's "strong record on jobs" and says Perry "will get America working again" in announcing his support in a statement issued Tuesday.

Nevada's caucuses are held shortly after contests in Iowa and New Hampshire. That makes Sandoval's support key in the nomination race. The endorsement is a blow for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who won the Nevada caucuses in 2008. Romney has again made the state a central campaign focus, choosing Las Vegas as the location to unveil his jobs plan. Romney also has the support of Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki.

Months before Perry entered the race, Sandoval had praised Romney in March as one of several candidates who could make a "great" president.